Tag: Carol Burnett

When I was growing up, I wanted to be on Broadway. I memorized lyrics, sang the songs, and in my heart, was a Broadway Baby. The girls next door loved musicals as much as I did. We would put together our own musicals on their driveway. Belting out show tunes, or made up songs. We were a regular drive-thru theatre.

We probably “produced” Annie a million times. The 1982 movie cemented the songs and dreams in our brain. I was often Annie, the most sought after character in our group. She was the lead, after all. As I grew up, my desired character shifted from Annie to Ms. Hannigan, because, well … Carol Burnett. (I also wanted to be Carol Burnett when I grew up, because, well … Carol Burnett!)

Can’t you just hear her singing?

“Little girls. Little girls. Every where I turn. I see them.”

Part of this song has become a sort of anthem of my motherhood. I know, Ms. Hannigan does not portray the best qualities, or any qualities of motherhood. But stay with me, because neither does my attitude toward this one little area.

Socks!

Little (and now big) girl socks!

Ms. Hannigan sings it so well.

“How I hate. Little socks. Little shoes. And each little bloomer!”

She’s belting it out for mothers everywhere!!! The chore of matching little socks, those that are not eaten by the dryer, are my least favorite thing to do. It never fails. Socks go in, but they don’t come out. Also, have you noticed that the same socks, that came in the same package, and are washed and dried in the same machines, come out in different sizes? Also, why can we never find socks? We must have a thousand socks in this house.

The Sock Basket. Where lonely socks go to die!

All fall and winter long, I hear the same question every day. Every day. (Sigh) “Mom. I need socks!” It’s like I’m living in the movie Groundhog’s Day. Yesterday, there were 12 pairs of socks in your drawer. Where are they today?

Then, something wonderful happens. That something wonderful happened on Sunday. The freezing temperatures are gone, the sun is shinning, and the morning air feels … warm. Dressing for church suddenly takes no time, because there are no socks or tights needed.

We have entered … The Bare Foot Zone!

And it’s wonderful. Sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet!!!

So, here’s to you, Ms. Hannigan and your “Little Girls” song. I also would have “cracked years ago, if it weren’t for my sense of humor!” Let’s hope I don’t end up in the nuthouse with you.